The Samuel May Williams House - A Galveston Landmark
The Samuel May Williams House
One of the oldest standing structures in Galveston, this home was built in 1838.
National Register 71000934, Listed 1971
From Galveston’s Historic City Landmarks:
Originally the son of a ship captain from Rhode Island, Samuel May Williams came to Texas as empresario Stephen F. Austin's translator and clerk. He and wife Sarah P. Scott had nine children, and at one time owned over 48,000 acres of land granted to them by the Mexican government.
Williams and partner Thomas F. McKinney were instrumental in raising money to fund the Texas revolution. By 1838, he and McKinney relocated to Galveston to build ships for the Republic of Texas navy, and were partners with Michel B. Menard in promoting development in the city. Williams passed away in 1858, and is buried in Galveston's Episcopal cemetery.